The Fair Sex "Machine Bites"

<p>Compiled from the albums <strong>Spell of Joy</strong> and <strong>Bite Release Bite</strong> plus songs from their three singles, "Not Now, Not Here" for example is pure dark dance, but commercial enough for Dave Gahan to sell his soul for. "Frantic" in contrast is purer industrial but still maintains a driving beat further in "Whats to be Done" has an atmospheric key board cloaked in goth's dark colors, while "Prisca" mixes in synthpop and "Soulspirit" could appear in KMFDM's songbook. Vocals range from compressed to untreated and even include some harmonies. Between the main songs, short sampled pieces ranging from ambient to industrial somehow tie it all together. If <strong>Machine Bites</strong> sounds like a garbled mess, you've missed the point. The Fair Sex manage to stretch across the electro field but never loose touch with their vision of dance rhythms and melodies. If you're unfamiliar with their name, join the club but something this good should not go unnoticed much longer. Innovative and intriguing, catchy, yet atmospheric, this album is a must.</p>